Twins decline option on P Baker

Minneapolis, MN (Sports Network) - The Minnesota Twins will not pick up the
2013 option on pitcher Scott Baker's contract, the team announced on Monday.

Baker did not pitch at all last season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in
April. The right-hander had started at least 21 games for the Twins in each of
the previous five years, and compiled an 8-6 record with a 3.14 earned run
average in 23 appearances (21 starts) in 2011.

A second-round pick of Minnesota in the 2003 MLB Draft, Baker will head to
free agency with a 63-48 record and a 4.15 ERA over seven major league
seasons. The 31-year-old won a team-best 15 games during the Twins' run to the
American League Central title in 2009.

General manager Terry Ryan has said he would not rule out re-signing Baker,
who would have made $9.25 million if his option was exercised.